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Campanulaceae Family - "Cardinal Flower"
Lobelia named after the 16th century herbalist, Matthias von Lobel
Locally common in wet sites; prairie depressions, borders of prairie streams, moist thickets and moist open woodlands. Large leaves for the size of the plant (up to 7 inches). Brilliant red flowers bloom from mid-June to September. Grows 2 to 3 feet tall.
Native Americans made a tea from the roots to ease the pain of stomachaches and to treat typhoid and worms. The root tea was also an ingredient in "love potions". A tea made from the leaves of L. cardinalis was used for colds, croup, nosebleeds, fevers, headaches and rheumatism. The leaf tea was once thought to be a nerve tonic as well. It is a potentially toxic plant.
